Pint-sized philanthropist lops her locks to fundraise

‘Razing’ money for charity was inspired by little girl’s grandpa, but continued by her giving spirit

Young Sienna Pearce doesn’t get attached to her hair like some other little girls might. The seven-year-old has twice lopped off her pretty brunette locks to raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Though her philanthropic initiative started when she was five, “because her hair was too hard to brush and she wanted to help someone with cancer,” her fundraising spirit has persevered – and inspired donations worth more than $5,000 in total to date.

“By just growing your hair and donating it, you can raise money for the other people that are sick!”

- Sienna Pearce

Sienna first started “Scissors for Sienna” in 2012 as a way to raise money in honour of her maternal grandfather, who had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma – a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, the disease-fighting network throughout the body. (The family is happy to report he has since been given a clean bill of health).

But in 2013, her grandpa’s improved health didn’t stop her from cutting her hair a second time to “raze” money for cancer. When asked about her message to the world on what she had accomplished, the pint-sized philanthropist says matter-of-factly: “By just growing your hair and donating it, you can raise money for the other people that are sick!”